The biotechnology sector, unlike several industries in India, is facing a unique problem of excess supply of manpower.

The supply is in excess of demand, but in areas where skilled manpower is required, there is a gap. “In terms of numbers there is enough, but there is a shortage of skilled manpower,” said Ms Nandita Chandavarkar, Director-Operations of Association of Biotechnology-Led Enterprises (ABLE), an industry body representing the biotechnology sector.

According to Mr Shyam Suryanarayan, CEO of HR firm C-Drive which focuses on placements in the science sector, the gap is because of the “confusion” regarding the definition on biotechnology.

Most people relate only bio-pharma to biotechnology, while the field is actually multifaceted and includes areas such as bio fuels, neutraceuticals, drug discovery, medical equipment or biosimilars, he pointed out.

“It would help if courses and curriculum are modified to suit requirements in the different segments of the bio industry,” Mr Suryanarayan said.

In this context, ABLE plans to launch an online portal and host tests for biotechnology students to help them gauge their skill levels. The project, however, is still in its nascent stages, Ms Chandavarkar said.

The portal will help students who take the tests get an idea of where they will fit in and what they need to learn, and will also help companies find the right kind of talent, Mr Chandavarkar pointed out. Universities will also benefit as they will know how their students are performing and which part of their course they need to improve, she said. The Association is also working on other projects to develop talent in the sector, Ms Chandavarkar said. It was, for instance, part of the biotechnology finishing schools set up by the Karnataka Government, Ms Chandavarkar added. The Government currently runs 12 finishing schools across the State and is working with other States to set up such schools.

>sushma.un@thehindu.co.in

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